Understanding the Righteousness of St. Joseph and Its Implications!

This is how the birth of Jesus came about, says St. Matthew.

Funny. St. Matthew begins with these words but does not start with the details. Matthew continues by speaking about Joseph, and his relationship with Mary. He speaks of the internal conflict that Joseph needed to work through . . . this is how the birth came about.

St. Matthew’s description is curious! We do not hear about the moment of birth. We do not hear about the journey to Bethlehem. Furthermore, we do not hear about any of these details! We are given a focus look of St. Joseph. The Homily also briefly mentions the beautiful icon of St. Joseph. Why would St. Matthew describe the birth in such manner?

As we read scripture about St. Joseph prior to the birth of Jesus, we discover some wonderful things. Hidden in the description as Joseph learns his spouse is pregnant and “the child is not his”, there is a statement that Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly. Why?

We hear something strange. We hear that Joseph was a righteous man. This is a high compliment. To be righteous, is to have a high character. Curiously, righteous is not enough to describe Joseph. These words are not there by accident. He is a righteous man and yet . . . he was unwilling to expose her to shame. The Homily explains this further.

Joseph is righteous, just and merciful.

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